’Tis hors d'oeurve season so we've put together a selection of recipes to kick the night off right—from budget-friendly first courses to bites and sips made with local ingredients.
No need to break the bank when serving crowd-favourite appetizers. Try these lower-cost versions that are full of flavour, easy-to-make and sure to have guests reaching for seconds.
Kushiyaki are grilled Japanese skewers most commonly made with chicken or beef. Eggplant is a more affordable, plant-based choice—it caramelizes beautifully while turning sweet and creamy.
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Tofu’s firm texture is perfect for the crispy, nutty coating—reminiscent of coconut shrimp—and it’s even better dunked into our spicy three-ingredient plum sauce.
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Seafood has become so expensive that beloved bacon-wrapped scallops have been eliminated from many people’s budgets. However, if you swap the bivalves for Brussels sprouts—a natural with bacon—you’ve got a tasty hors d’oeuvre destined to become a new holiday tradition.
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Make ingredients sourced from Ontario the star attractions when greeting your guests. From mushrooms to sparkling water, local producers have so much to offer. Find these ingredients directly through the producers and at select grocery stores.
Making spanakopita in a sheet pan is a delicious way to feed a crowd. This twist on the classic Greek dish adds meaty mushrooms to the usual spinach, herbs and feta.
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FEATURED LOCAL INGREDIENT
Located just outside of Hamilton, Piccioni Bros. Mushroom Farm has been providing Ontarians with mushrooms since 1964. The family-run operation, which is committed to organic farming practices and innovative techniques, produces a variety of flavourful fungi.
This recipe turns the devilled egg on its head—literally—by serving it whole and upside down rather than halved on its side. It’s filled with a punchy emulsion inspired by the bold flavours of pasta puttanesca.
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FEATURED LOCAL INGREDIENT
Conestoga Farms works with egg farmers in Southwestern Ontario who raise free-range hens that roam on spacious pastures, ensuring wholesome, delicious eggs known for their gorgeous creamy yolks. Conestoga prioritizes sustainability, using environmentally friendly farming methods and supporting local communities.
This mix-in-the-glass, easy mocktail lets you to provide a special drink for the non-imbibers on short notice.
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FEATURED LOCAL INGREDIENT
Sapsucker is a unique Ontario-made beverage derived from organic maple tree sap. Since the sap is not too sweet, Sapsucker only has 35 calories per 355‑mL can. The sparkling water comes in five flavours including peach, lemon and grapefruit. It’s perfect for mixing into mocktails or enjoying on its own as a low-calorie drink.